WHO Introduces Digital Health Promoter
S.A.R.A.H. To Revolutionise Public Health With AI
With the world set to observe World Health Day on April 7, 2024, under the theme ‘My Health, My Right’, the World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, S.A.R.A.H. – a digital health promoter prototype poised to redefine public health engagement using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI).
S.A.R.A.H., an acronym for Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health, represents a groundbreaking advancement in AI-driven health information avatars.
Equipped with sophisticated language models and cutting-edge technology, S.A.R.A.H. is a 24/7 companion, available in eight languages, and covers a wide range of health topics, accessible across various devices.
This innovative digital health promoter is a powerful tool for individuals’ health and well-being journey.
It offers comprehensive information on various health aspects, including healthy habits and mental well-being.
By focusing on major health concerns such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, S.A.R.A.H. helps users understand risk factors and provides up-to-date information on preventive measures.
Digital Technologies
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stressed the significance of digital technologies in shaping the future of healthcare, stating, “S.A.R.A.H. gives us a glimpse of how artificial intelligence could be used to improve access to health information more interactively.”
Powered by generative AI, S.A.R.A.H. ensures real-time, accurate responses and fosters personalised interactions akin to human conversations.
This technology, supported by Soul Machines Biological AI, enables S.A.R.A.H. to deliver empathetic responses in a judgment-free environment, catering to users’ individual needs.
Recognising AI’s transformative potential in enhancing public health, WHO strongly emphasises addressing ethical concerns. These include equitable access, privacy, safety, accuracy, data protection, and bias. The organisation advocates for ongoing research to maximise AI’s benefits while mitigating associated risks.
WHO’s commitment to ethical standards and evidence-based content is reflected in the continuous evaluation and refinement of the S.A.R.A.H. project.
Previous iterations of the digital health promoter, notably deployed during the Covid-19 pandemic under the name Florence, have demonstrated its efficacy in disseminating critical health information to the masses.
As WHO continues its mission to amplify health information through various digital platforms, S.A.R.A.H. is a testament to its dedication to leveraging technology to improve global health, ensuring reliable, responsible, and accessible information for all.
Featured image: S.A.R.A.H. helps users understand risk factors and provides up-to-date information on preventive measures. Credit: National Cancer Institute
